Master Data Management

Term from Data Analytics industry explained for recruiters

Master Data Management (MDM) is a way of organizing and maintaining an organization's core business information, like customer details, product information, or employee data. Think of it as creating a single source of truth that everyone in the company can trust and use. It's similar to having one master address book that everyone refers to, instead of multiple outdated contact lists. Companies use MDM to avoid confusion, reduce errors, and make better business decisions based on reliable data.

Examples in Resumes

Implemented Master Data Management solution reducing data inconsistencies by 85%

Led MDM project to consolidate customer data across 5 business units

Developed Master Data Management policies and governance frameworks

Created training materials for company-wide MDM implementation

Typical job title: "Master Data Management Specialists"

Also try searching for:

Data Governance Specialist MDM Analyst Data Quality Manager Master Data Specialist Data Management Consultant Enterprise Data Architect Data Steward

Where to Find Master Data Management Specialists

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you implement a Master Data Management program in a large organization?

Expected Answer: A strong answer should discuss creating a roadmap, getting executive buy-in, establishing governance policies, choosing appropriate tools, and managing change across the organization. They should mention practical examples of successful implementations.

Q: How do you measure the success of an MDM initiative?

Expected Answer: The candidate should discuss metrics like data quality scores, reduction in duplicate records, time saved in data reconciliation, improved decision-making capabilities, and return on investment through reduced errors and increased efficiency.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the main challenges in maintaining data quality in an MDM system?

Expected Answer: Should discuss common challenges like getting different departments to agree on data standards, keeping information up-to-date, training users, and maintaining consistent data across multiple systems.

Q: Explain how you would handle duplicate customer records in a master data system.

Expected Answer: Should describe processes for identifying duplicates, merging records, establishing matching rules, and maintaining data quality over time while considering business impact.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is Master Data and why is it important?

Expected Answer: Should explain that master data is core business information (like customer or product data) that needs to be consistent across the organization, and why having a single source of truth matters.

Q: What are some basic data quality rules you would implement?

Expected Answer: Should mention basic concepts like checking for completeness, accuracy, consistency, and providing examples like ensuring phone numbers follow a standard format or addresses are verified.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic data quality monitoring
  • Understanding of data governance principles
  • Data entry and validation
  • Basic reporting and documentation

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Data quality tool implementation
  • Process improvement
  • Stakeholder management
  • Data standardization procedures

Senior (5+ years)

  • MDM strategy development
  • Program management
  • Cross-functional leadership
  • Enterprise data architecture

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No understanding of basic data quality principles
  • Lack of experience with data governance
  • Poor communication skills
  • No experience with change management
  • Unable to explain business benefits of MDM